OTHER VOICES

Religious beliefs do not dictate public policy

By Sara P. CliftonSpecial to the Star-Banner

Published: Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 12, 2013 at 7:26 p.m.

In November of 2008, voters in Florida decided that marriage should be forbidden to same-sex couples. It is appalling to me that in a country that prides itself on personal liberty, as many as 20 percent of its citizens should be denied the full blessings of that liberty. It is un-American.

I believe that relying on ignorance, and using a campaign of fear, conservative religious lobbyists were able to impose their views on everyone in Florida. By claiming this abomination is necessary to protect children, families and the sanctity of heterosexual marriage, these purveyors of misinformation managed to undo decades of progress regarding equality and civil rights.

Apart from religion, there seems to be no reason to deny consenting adults the right to fully participate in all rights, privileges and responsibilities inherent in being a citizen of the United States. As long as the state issues licenses for marriage, then all citizens should be eligible to purchase those licenses. If religious objection is the only impediment, then it is obviously wrong to impose the religious beliefs of some on all.

The United States Supreme Court has decided on many occasions that the state has no prevailing interest in private, personal behavior. Numerous decisions also make it clear the government has a duty to treat all citizens as equal, yet in Florida these tenets, part of the very foundation of our society, have been ignored. The First Amendment is clear on the role of religion in government. The 14th Amendment states, in part, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.”

According to former President Jimmy Carter, the easiest way to manage this issue is perhaps for the government to get out of the marriage business altogether. Domestic partnerships or civil unions could be licensed by the state. This would allow equality to all regarding property, estates, taxes, adoption, health care and all the other aspects of married life that are of legitimate concern to the government. Marriage, as a religious ritual, would remain the province of the religious. The government has no voice in any internal religious debate. By severing the legal from the religious, the rights of all citizens are protected.

Until 1967, it was illegal in 16 states for “white” people to marry “colored” people. I believe the current law is just as heinous and unworthy of a great nation.

<p>In November of 2008, voters in Florida decided that marriage should be forbidden to same-sex couples. It is appalling to me that in a country that prides itself on personal liberty, as many as 20 percent of its citizens should be denied the full blessings of that liberty. It is un-American.</p><p>I believe that relying on ignorance, and using a campaign of fear, conservative religious lobbyists were able to impose their views on everyone in Florida. By claiming this abomination is necessary to protect children, families and the sanctity of heterosexual marriage, these purveyors of misinformation managed to undo decades of progress regarding equality and civil rights.</p><p>Apart from religion, there seems to be no reason to deny consenting adults the right to fully participate in all rights, privileges and responsibilities inherent in being a citizen of the United States. As long as the state issues licenses for marriage, then all citizens should be eligible to purchase those licenses. If religious objection is the only impediment, then it is obviously wrong to impose the religious beliefs of some on all.</p><p>The United States Supreme Court has decided on many occasions that the state has no prevailing interest in private, personal behavior. Numerous decisions also make it clear the government has a duty to treat all citizens as equal, yet in Florida these tenets, part of the very foundation of our society, have been ignored. The First Amendment is clear on the role of religion in government. The 14th Amendment states, in part, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.”</p><p>According to former President Jimmy Carter, the easiest way to manage this issue is perhaps for the government to get out of the marriage business altogether. Domestic partnerships or civil unions could be licensed by the state. This would allow equality to all regarding property, estates, taxes, adoption, health care and all the other aspects of married life that are of legitimate concern to the government. Marriage, as a religious ritual, would remain the province of the religious. The government has no voice in any internal religious debate. By severing the legal from the religious, the rights of all citizens are protected.</p><p>Until 1967, it was illegal in 16 states for “white” people to marry “colored” people. I believe the current law is just as heinous and unworthy of a great nation.</p><p><i>Sara P. Clifton is laboratory technician who lives in Ocala.</i></p>